Check out the full remarks from ONE CEO David Lane, Zambian AIDS activist Princess Zulu, Senator Bill Frist, M.D., Cindy McCain and First Lady Laura Bush.

Some posts from our service project at the DNCC here and here

Right now, volunteers are running off to prepare kits for AIDS caregivers around the world.

The kits include simple items like wash cloths, cotton balls, soap, petroleum jelly. The kinds of things we take for granted everyday in America. And the kinds of things that can literally save lives around the world. Each bag of cotton balls, for example, will be washed and re-used for months.

I’m attaching photos below. They include photos of the supplies, assembly lines and packing up. Note the ones of people writing notes, every kit includes a handwritten note from the volunteer who assembled it – to the caregiver who will receive it.

I’m taking a bunch of video now too, but have to wait until I have silghtly better Internet to upload them.

Under Bush, the United States has taken a leadership role in the global fight against AIDS, greatly increasing funding for AIDS prevention and care. But PEPFAR hasn’t just thrown money at the problem; it has empowered communities and private organizations to find local solutions.

In Zambia, World Vision works with a consortium of aid organizations to mobilize and support 120 community – and faith-based organizations. To date, PEPFAR has committed $57 million to the program. But this public funding is being leveraged to attract an equal amount of private aid. Churches and businesses throughout the U.S. have provided Caregiver Kits, containing basic supplies needed by 15,000 Zambian volunteers who are looking after adults and children affected by AIDS. World Bicycle Relief is supplying bicycles for 23,000 caregivers, orphans, and other vulnerable children. Churches, communities, private organizations, businesses, and governments are working together to help those in need, especially children.

While they distance themselves from President Bush on other issues, the presidential candidates should consider this private-public partnership model for tackling problems that affect our world today. And despite the distractions of an extraordinary election year, Congress must move swiftly to reauthorize PEPFAR at the increased level requested by Mr. Bush, making sure at least 10 percent of that aid reaches children.

-Rich Stearns, President of World Vision

On Saturday, December 1st, World Vision, Pioneer High School and The Journey Church sponsored a day to make kits for AIDS caregivers. Hundreds of people showed up to help! We had over a dozen ONE volunteers show up from around the Bay Area. The event started with a continental breakfast followed by a presentation by The Journey Church and World Vision Leaders. We saw a short film about a caregiver and how much she appreciated having a kit to use in her work. I really admire the compassion and selfless acts that caregivers provide their friends, family or neighbors who are sick with HIV/AIDS.

Each of the orange kits includes items like soap, wash cloths, gloves, flashlights and batteries. Every kit is also packed with a personal note from the person who put it together. We helped assemble 1,000 kits that will be sent to a country in Africa. To learn more about World Vision’s Caregiver Kit program and to see about hosting an event of your own go here .

Lori Saltveit – representing ONE Volunteers from the San Francisco Bay Area